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Spironolactone and Hair Loss
What is Spironolactone?
Spironolactone is a type of steroid that can help in reducing the incidence of baldness in women. It is strictly regulated, because it can cause undue side effects to males when it is administered. You can easily find spironolactone on the market under the brand name Aldactone.
Spironolactone is primarily categorized as an oral remedy for hypertension sufferers. Presently it is also being prescribed for individuals who are experiencing renal failure, because it prevents too much sodium from being absorbed.
How Spironolactone Works?
You should remember that male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness are both caused by two main trouble spots in the human physiology:
• Genetic predisposition to baldness (heredity/inheritance)
• Enzymes and male hormones combining to produce DHT, which shortens the life cycle of actively reproducing hair follicles
We cannot do anything about the first problem. Genetics is not something that we can completely alter; however, what we can do is to affect the second part of the formula for baldness.
This is where cortisone analogs like spironolactone appear. Spironolactone was not primarily designed to deal with baldness. Rather, its general function is a contributing factor to its effectiveness in alleviating baldness.
Like Finasteride and Minoxidil, the cortisone analog spironolactone is capable of diminishing androgen receptors such as 5AR. By blocking androgen receptors, balding is slowed down.
The Benefits of Spironolactone
Fortunately, spironolactone has already been clinically examined for it potentially positive effects on individuals who are suffering from balding. Have the results been positive? Does it work?
First off, spironolactone has been observed to affect the thinning of hair in women. Since many existing oral medications for baldness are not recommended for women, spironolactone may be the next safe choice for women.
It should be noted though, that the clinical observation of spironolactone showed two contradictory results:
• Spironolactone has been shown to be capable of reducing the amount of undesirable hair in women (hirsutism)
• Spironolactone has also been shown to be capable of producing positive effects in women who are balding (female pattern baldness)
With such contradictory results, it might be a good idea to discuss carefully with your general practitioner whether it would be safe to use spironolactone for your own case of baldness or hair thinning.
The Side Effects of Spironolactone
The side effects of spironolactone may be traced to its basic nature as an androgen
receptor antagonist. Spironolactone is an anti-
It has also been noted that spironolactone may have a link to blood loss from the GI tract. As such, spironolactone may not be the most appropriate hair loss treatment for individuals who are prone to bleeding, or have trouble clotting.
In men, spironolactone has been known to cause size changes in the breasts. Spironolactone has also been known to cause instances of sexual dysfunction in men like decreased libido, problems with ejaculating and other similar difficulties. So if you’re a man, don’t risk your sexual function with spironolactone. Leave this one for the ladies.
READ THE FULL: 10 Hair Loss Medications, Vitamins and Herbs